Why the Ineos Grenadier lacks safety systems

Aussie drivers are frustrated at safety tech in new cars that think it’s a better driver. Don’t worry about that with this model.

One of the world’s toughest off-roaders does without the latest advanced safety technology – and the company is in no hurry to change it.

The Toyota-rivalling Ineos Grenadier misses out on things such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning and lane keep assistance systems that are now common on new cars.

And it’s all because buyers don’t to be told what to do, according to Justin Hocevar, Ineos’ head of the Asia Pacific region.

The Ineos Grenadier four-wheel-drive. Supplied

“We haven’t introduced those features on the Australian models yet,” says Hocevar of the so-called advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

He argues buyers simply don’t want the sort of features that some see as an unnecessary hindrance because they can beep or take over when not wanted or required.

“We’re probably finding more people come to the brand going ‘I like the vehicle without ADAS features’ than people turning around and saying ‘I wouldn’t take that for lack of ADAS features’.”

Hocevar said the type of people gravitating to the hard-core four-wheel drive – which was inspired by the original Land Rover Defender – don’t want the car telling them what to do.

“They’re enthusiasts, they’ve driven a lot of cars,” he says.

Inside the Ineos Grenadier. Supplied

“They’ve evolved as drivers in an era without a lot of devices that need to support their driving. They’re confident, they’re capable, they’re experienced, they know what they’re doing and they’re not really seeking electronic intervention of their driving.”

Regulations and independent crash tests are increasingly forcing car makers to fit advanced crash avoidance and assistance features,

However, the Grenadier is classified as a light truck in Australia, which has lesser requirements in terms of safety.

But Hocevar insists the Grenadier and its dual-cab ute spin-off, the Quartermaster, have high levels of safety.

“It’s a safe vehicle and it’s a crash tested vehicle; it’s passed the European passenger car safety requirements,” he says, adding that having a safe vehicle is still a priority for owners.

“They still want safety features … and a vehicle that’s been crash tested and safe. But they don’t necessarily want an electronic device tapping them on the shoulder every five minutes and saying do this or do that.”

Hocevar says such safety systems will eventually make their way into Australian-delivered Grenadiers.

“I think that we may need to introduce it at some point in time to open it up to other customers,” he says, adding that for now it’s a “watch and act” on the tech.

“So far that hasn’t been a compelling reason to introduce it.”

Originally published as Why the Ineos Grenadier lacks safety systems